Winnipeggers say fixing roads a high priority; growing economy important
A Probe Research survey conducted mid-July indicates almost all Winnipeggers see fixing city roads as a high priority and place the task in the top three issues for the next mayor and council to address.
Fixing roads and bridges was out-ranked only by reducing poverty and homelessness and reducing crime in the Probe survey of 622 Winnipeggers. The poll has a margin of error of +/-4%.
“We’re not really surprised by the findings,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc said. “The spring thaw showed how neglected our roads are, in terms of regular maintenance, and Winnipeggers have voiced their displeasure.”
The same poll also gauged the level of importance – “very, somewhat, not very and not at all” – for fixing roads. The reply showed 93% of respondents felt it was a must-do for the next council, with more than half ranking it as very important, and just under 40% saying it was somewhat important.
Support was highest among those living in northwest and southeast Winnipeg.
Probe also asked respondents about the priority they place on growing Winnipeg’s economy. While overall most respondents said it was important, the majority fell on the side of “somewhat” important.
The MHCA sponsored the questions about roads and the economy. It is part of the association’s advocacy approaching the civic election October 26.
“We need to grow the economy because without the revenues economic growth produces, it is academic to talk about ways to improve services, attract new business, enhance our cultural and community services and features of our city,” Lorenc explained.
MHCA will be sending to all mayoral and council candidates a brief on what it considers civic priorities and a questionnaire it will ask each to return with their replies.
Probe found the vast majority of those surveyed held a grim view of the direction their city was headed in, with 6 in 10 saying it was heading in the wrong direction. This is compared to 4 in 10 when Probe last asked the question in 2020.
Further, only about a quarter of respondents said they feel they’re getting good value for their taxes.
There is considerable support for a tax increase: 28% said they’d support a significant tax increase to improve service and 48% said a small increase was justified to maintain services.
This same poll found that Glen Murray, a former mayor who also served as an MP and an Ontario MPP, was the favourite mayoral candidate of 44% of those surveyed. Next closest was Coun. Scott Gillingham, at 16%. Former MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette garnered 13% support.
At the time of the poll, 12 people had registered to run for mayor. Coun. Kevin Klein has since joined the race.
